Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children‟s Services (2) Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC398482 Inspector Julian Mason Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Young Options College Limited Registered person address Turnpike Gate House Alcester Heath Alcester Warwickshire B49 5JG Responsible individual Graham Baker Registered manager Caroline Lindsey Sanderson / POST VACANT Date of last inspection 02/07/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 05/02/2015

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Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged adequate at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has declined in effectiveness .

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This inspection

The home has been without a Registered Manager for a considerable period. Although a manager was recruited to the role in August last year, the post holder did not stay long enough to be registered with Ofsted. A new manager has been recruited and has completed some of the processes that help to determine their suitability and fitness to become a Registered Manager. At the time of this inspection, a number of vetting checks and a reference were still outstanding. These circumstances leave the home without someone who can be formally held accountable and responsible for the day-to-day operation of the service. For over six-months, young people and staff have not experiencing leadership and management from a person who has been able to successfully register with Ofsted to manage the home.

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This inspection

The last inspection made five requirements and three recommendations, which have all been addressed. The home’s Statement of Purpose has been updated; staff have implemented the organisation’s bullying policy and received training in this area. Measures of control records are completed in a timely way and contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of how young people are supported with their behaviour. The use of bedroom door alarms has stopped and will only be reintroduced based on an assessment of risk. The manager’s quality assurance processes now include formal and informal arrangements to consult with young people and stakeholders. Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure the manager receives regular supervision from the designated line manager.

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This inspection

Young people continue to experience placement stability because they are looked after by a consistent, stable and familiar team of residential staff. They continue to feel safe in the home and with the people who look after them. Staff remain vigilant and focused, reflecting practices that keep young people safe and promote their welfare. Young people who have a range of complex needs and difficult family 3 of 5 backgrounds are provided with an environment where they continue to make good progress.

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This inspection

Individual plans are continuously reviewed and updated and provide the right guidance to staff to keep young people safe and meet their needs. Staff remain focused on promoting young people’s safety and encourage open discussion to aid personal development and growing resilience. Where particular safeguarding concerns are apparent, these are reported quickly to ensure a multi-agency approach is instigated. Following the conclusion of any safeguarding referral, the manager looks to ensure the home’s practices and arrangements remain consistent with keeping everyone safe.

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This inspection

Regular discussions and consultation with young people supports their growing independence and personal responsibility. Plans for greater independence are progressing according to each young person’s needs and circumstances. This means that young people are given the time and support needed to learn how to become more self-sufficient, responsible and independent. Young people are learning to express themselves in safer ways rather than resorting to behaviours that are more risky or damaging.

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This inspection

Partnership working is good. There is regular contact with community police, who visit the home informally to talk to both staff and young people. There are regular meetings and discussions with teachers about young people’s progress in school. Also, frequent discussions with the therapy team continue in support of young people’s ongoing engagement and to support the day-to-day work of the residential team.

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This inspection

The manager and staff team demonstrate a continued commitment to improve the quality of care for young people. The manager has systems in place to monitor the home's records and to evaluate the quality of the service being provided. Young people and other relevant groups are consulted through these systems, which are used to determine the strengths and areas for development. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This home is part of a large private children’s care organisation and is registered to accommodate three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

02/07/2014 Full adequate 13/03/2014 Interim good progress 30/08/2013 Full adequate 13/03/2013 Interim good progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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